The integrated properties of the CALIFA galaxies: model-derived galaxy parameters and quenching of star formation

Abstract

We present a study of the integrated properties of the 835 galaxies in the Calar-Alto Legacy Integral Field spectroscopy Area survey. To derive the main physical parameters of the galaxies we have fitted their UV-to-IR spectral energy distributions (SEDs) with sets of theoretical models using cigale. We perform a comparison of the integrated galaxy parameters derived from multiband SED fitting with those obtained from modelling the Integral Field Unit spectra and show the clear advantage of using the SED-derived star formation rates (SFRs). A detailed analysis of galaxies in the SFR/Mstar plane as a function of their properties reveals that quenching of star formation is caused by a combination of gas deficiency and the inefficiency of the existing gas to form new stars. Exploring the plausible mechanisms that could produce this effect, we find a strong correlation with galaxy morphology and the build-up of central bulge. On the other hand, the presence of Active Galactic Nucleus and/or a stellar bar, as well as the local environment have only temporal effects on the current star formation, a result also consistent with their model-derived star formation histories.